More Joy Than Rage: Crossing Generations With the New Feminism

This is an anthology of 26 essays that appeared in the popular press between 1971 and 1990. Because 19 of the pieces were published in the 1970s, they have little or nothing to add to the current literature on feminism despite the subtitle's claim. Unfortunately, More Joy Than Rage should have been published ten years ago when the anecdotes might still have appeared refreshing. Rivers's failure to consider criticisms levied against the women's movement in the 1980s renders this 1970s retrospective suspect without the benefit of detailed reflection and analysis. To her credit, however, Rivers offers a short introduction to each piece. This collection is well written and witty, but libraries are advised to purchase instead Ellen Goodman's Making Sense ( LJ 8/89). Not recommended. See also Susan Faludi's Backlash and Paula Kamen's Feminist Fa tale (both LJ 9/15/91).--Ed.
- Melody Burton, York Univ. Libs., Toronto
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.